VIDEO: Shawn Johnson Won Dancing With The Stars 2009

VIDEO: Shawn Johnson Won Dancing With The Stars 2009
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Dancing with the Stars has a new champion and owner of the Mirror Ball trophy. Olympian Shawn Johnson narrowly defeated actor Gilles Marini to win Season 8.

"This is, in eight seasons, our closest ever finale," said host Tom Bergeron before revealing Johnson as the winner on the two hour results show. "There was less than 1 percent difference between the couple who came in first and second."

Former "Bachelor" contestant Melissa Rycroft came in third place.

Shawn Johnson and her professional partner Mark Ballas relied on Johnson's athleticism as a gymnast throughout the competition. Marini was gracious in defeat.

"I'm so happy for Shawn and Mark," said Marini. "They worked so hard."

VIDEO: Shawn Johnson Won Dancing With The Stars 2009